The opening match of the 2017 European Youth Olympic Festival in Erzurum ended in a stunning 42‑0 victory for Russia over Turkey, a result that quickly became the talk of the tournament.
A dominant start
Russia surged ahead early, posting a 15‑0 lead after the first period and extending the gap to 27‑0 by the second, before sealing the match at 42‑0 in the final frame.
The festival, scheduled to run until February 19, gathers young athletes aged 14 to 18 from 34 countries, offering a rare platform for emerging talent across Europe.
Following their emphatic win, the Russian squad will meet France in the next round, a clash that promises to test the depth of their current dominance.
Beyond the scoreboard, the competition serves as a scouting ground for national programs, with coaches watching closely for the next generation of stars who may soon wear senior international jerseys.